The ex-England striker has hosted Match of the Day since 1999 and intimated on Saturday night’s show who his long-term replacement might be. On Saturday night, Gary Lineker intimated live on air that he will be replaced as host of Match of the Day by a former Newcastle United player.
The 62-year-old, who scored 331 goals in his 16-year career, will host the event for the 24th time later this month. However, he has previously stated that his time in the hot seat is “nearing an end,” with conjecture rife over who will succeed him.
Former Newcastle United midfielder and BBC colleague is one of the frontrunners, as indicated by Lineker himself. Jenas, who played 152 games for Newcastle between 2001 and 2006 and scored 12 goals, has already hosted Match of the Day 2.
He has also hosted the four-year-old spin-off show MOTDx and is a regular host on the evening magazine show The One Show. Lineker has now fueled suspicion that Jenas may take his position after hinting on Saturday night’s broadcast, according to the Mirror.
Jenas appeared as a pundit with former Swansea City and Everton defender Ashley Williams, and asked host Lineker what he thought about a potential penalty incident involving Eagles winger Eberechi Eze in Everton’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. He went on to say, “I always like the striker’s opinion.”
Lineker joked after announcing his decision, “You want this job?” Jenas smiled and responded, “No, no, not yet,” to which the famed host simply answered, “Later.”
Jenas is no stranger to the top post after acquiring experience on prior shows. In April, he told the Daily Mail, “I would obviously be up for it, it’s Match of the Day and it would be a great opportunity.”
Jenas confirmed in an interview with Mirror Football earlier in 2023: “I still really enjoy the punditry side of things and analysing football games, just because I love the game.” But, as you grow as a person, I believe you should continue to challenge and test yourself.
“I always felt that presenting alongside my experience in the game was gonna be a nice blend, especially given what I saw when I was around Gary and other presenters who’ve crossed over from a sporting background to television.”
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